Date Published:
May 26, 2021
The diverse needs of the energy sector in Mindanao call for a localized and tailor-made approach to energy efficiency and conservation, says the Department of Energy (DoE) in the Philippines. This is important in promoting inclusive development in the region.
The country’s second largest island, Mindanao is in the southernmost part of the archipelago. It accounts for 36% of farm lands and produces 43% of total farm produce.
At a recent online forum organized by the energy department, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Assistant Secretary Romeo M. Montenegro explained, “We need sources of energy to add value to our agricultural productivity across all areas in Mindanao. It is imperative for us to be mindful of and efficient with our energy use. We need to be prudent with sourcing the right types of quality energy when and where they are needed, especially during this pandemic.”
The forum was organized together with the European Union-supported Access to Sustainable Energy Programme (EU ASEP) and the ASEP–Clean Energy Living Laboratories (ASEP–CELLs) and held from 20 to 21 May to discuss financing strategies and tools to advance energy efficiency and conservation in local planning and development in Visayas and Mindanao. The event was supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), USAID Energy Secure Philippines (USAID ESP), and the World Bank (WB).
EU Head of Cooperation Christoph Wagner also highlighted the greater need for inclusivity in energy efficiency and conservation. “In this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to have a more streamlined approach to our resources and to leave nobody and no place behind. Much of this has to be implemented at the community and the municipal level.”